All of this was known, of course, to Galerius and Maximian through the spies they maintained in the territory of Constantius, as well as to Diocletian. But the Senior Emperor was troubled by illness again and Constantius, in the course of setting new boundaries restraining the Frankish kings north of the Rhine and bringing Britain back into the Empire, had built up the largest, best equipped and trained army in the whole expanse of the Roman Empire. Even Maximian, therefore, felt little inclination to force his considerably more powerful son-in-law into any action of which Constantius himself did not approve. Meanwhile Galerius was busy forming his own clique centered around himself, his nephew, Maximin Daia, and General Severus, a well liked officer insuring absolute control of the entire East when Diocletian decided to abdicate.
Great Circus
Following the dedication of the Great Circus, which had been building at Nicomedia for almost two years, the Senior Augustus suffered a relapse. On the Ides of December it was even reported that he was dead and the city began to mourn, but early the next morning the Emperor’s physician published a bulletin stating that the beloved ruler had taken a turn for the better and now appeared to be on the road to recovery.
The rumor was enough to bring Galerius back to Nicomedia from his capital of Sirmium, however, and the Caesar of the East now took up residence in the palace, allegedly to lighten the burdens of his fatherinlaw, but in reality to take over as many of the imperial functions as he could. As a result Constantine found himself practically cut off from any contact with Diocletian and was surprised when he received a summons to the bedside of the Emperor.
Carinus, the Chief Chamberlain, stood beside the bed. With him was the physician, who said importantly, “You can stay only a few moments, Tribune”
“He will stay until I give him leave to depart.” The voice of Diocletian, still with some of its old vigor, spoke from the pillow. “Leave us, both of you.”
The physician looked at Carinus, who hesitated, obviously not desiring to leave. “I can still order the axe for both of you,” Diocletian warned and they scuttled out, leaving the door slightly ajar. Constantine looked at the old man propped up on the pillow and, seeing a gleam of mischief and enjoyment in the rheumy eyes, stepped to the door and shut it firmly.
“I’m glad to see my soninlaw has not cowed you,” said Diocletian.
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